Discovering your perfect foundation is pretty much the makeup equivalent of finding your soulmate... minus the Hinge dates. But throw into the mix a complexion that's drier than the Sahara desert, and finding a foundation that stays dewy on dry skin can feel near impossible.
For those with an eternally thirsty complexion, foundation can often feel heavy, uncomfortable and make your skin look even more parched. But I promise, there are formulas out there to help combat this.
Top foundations for dry skin
Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Revival Serum Foundation
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What to look for in a foundation for dry skin
We really do expect a lot out of our foundations. First, the shade range has to be decent — I'm not messing around with limited shades and minimal undertones these days.
Next up, the formula needs to include plenty of moisturising ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, to keep the skin dewy and hydrated.
It also has to be a breeze to apply. Overzealous blending can aggravate your skin and make dry patches more noticeable, so a formula that is both blendable and buildable (harder to find than it sounds) is key.
Finally, it’s got to be long-lasting, non-drying, and never settles into fine lines or dry patches. Is a hydrating, weightless texture that can cover our blemishes and mask dryness too much to ask? Luckily not! There are tons of formulas out there to help you figure out your perfect match.
Scroll on to see the 22 best – there are lightweight skin tints, blurring creams, and even a flawless foundation for under a tenner (well, nearly).
The best foundations for dry skin...
Not only is e.l.f.’s Soft Glam Satin Foundation the brand’s first foundation in seven years but it’s a total steal at only £8.
If you, like me, love a breathable formula, then this foundation will be right up your street. It leaves a stunning satin finish and has enough coverage to cover redness and pigmentation. People are bound to develop skin envy!
My top tip for application? Pair with the brand’s TikTok viral Power Grip Primer and you’ve got a base that won’t budge, with a smooth, satiny finish.
Key specifications
| Coverage | It’s giving... medium buildable coverage with a satin finish. All skin types will love it! 😍 |
|---|---|
| Shade range | There are 36 shades to pick from and the undertones are promising. |
| Lasting power | It gives a natural-looking glow that will easily take you from 9 - 5 without turning you into a greaseball. To make sure it lasts, be sure to prep the skin well beforehand. |
I've had the pleasure of testing some spenny luxury foundations, but I'll always have a place in my heart for certain high-street heroes – I stay humble, I know.
A particular fave is the Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation. Growing up, I loved the Lasting Radiance formula for a glowy and medium-coverage result. This is essentially a step up, offering long-lasting, full coverage that keeps your skin hydrated for as long as you wear it (hey, hyaluronic acid!).
Key Specifications
| Coverage | We're talking full-coverage finish here, people. The formula has enough oomph to completely smooth out redness, blur the appearance of a pimple and unify an uneven complexion –but it does so while keeping a natural-looking result. |
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| Shade range | There are 34 shades available on the Boots website. I'll take that! |
| Lasting power | Obvs, this foundation is making a huge 35 hour wear claim. As much as I dedicate my face to the world of beauty journalism, wearing foundation for 35 hours is not something I'm willing to do – soz. But for the12 hours that I was testing this formula, it wore very well and only faded in a few oily zones. Nothing that a little powder can't fix. |
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I've been using this serum foundation pretty much every day since it launched and I've got to say I'm hooked. The lightweight fluid is perfect for daytime wear; it offers just enough coverage to even my complexion, while still looking natural and boosting glow. It's also a skincare-infused formula, so there's niacinimide and bisabolol to brighten and soothe.
As for the finish, you can expect a satin sheen that looks like your skin, only glowier!
Key specifications
| Coverage | This has a similar texture to a skin tint, so expect delicate coverage that can be layered. |
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| Shade range | There are nine shades available, so there's certainly room for improvement. |
| Lasting power | Considering this is a serum foundation –they're known for fading throughout the day – its staying power is quite impressive. It won't last the entire day without looking slightly worn, but use a good setting powder and spray to help lock everything in. |
Rare Beauty did not come to play with this foundation. 🙌 It continues to frequent my foundation rotation as it’s so breathable and pairs well with anything over and under it.
Despite it being serum-like, it really packs a punch with buildable medium coverage that lasts all day without drying out the skin or going cakey.
Key specifications
| Coverage | Coverage is lightweight to medium with a breathable serum-like feel. No clogging or caking here. |
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| Shade range | This foundation has 48 shades with some really great undertones. |
| Lasting power | As a girlie who doesn’t like to powder unless she has to, I can confirm that this foundation doesn’t require any. The natural glow it gives when first applied lasts all day. |
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Many Saie products have my full attention, including my long-loved bottle of Super Gel, but I'll always have a place in my heart for this foundation.
The serum formula effortlessly glides on to give a gentle sheen of coverage, mastering the true-to-skin effect. There’s enough oomph to cover areas of pigmentation or redness but it’s a far cry from appearing cakey. The glow is unreal, and the skin compliments are plentiful.
Key specifications
| Coverage | What stands out is that this foundation is billed as lightweight but can easily be layered to create your desired finish. |
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| Shade range | There are 36 shades on offer. There is deffo room for more, but it has a great selection of undertones. |
| Lasting power | It manages to withstand a sweaty upper lip without budging, and if the glow gets a bit gleamy, it's nothing that a powder can't fix. |
I have worked my way through many foundation bottles and this one has remained a firm favourite. With just a few light taps of a beauty sponge, it completely blurs my complexion and leaves a fresh finish without looking cake face-y. (Yep, dreamy).
My single bugbear is that the pump gets a little messy and leaves me with foundation fingers from holding the bottle – don’t know if that’s just me, or if the packaging needs an upgrade. But I can’t complain: it costs less than a tenner and gives a flawless, radiant and healthy-looking sheen.
Key specifications
| Coverage | It’s lightweight enough that one layer will even your complexion, but you can easily dial it up to create a full-coverage finish. Either way, you’re always left with radiant, dewy skin. |
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| Shade range | There are 49 shades to choose from here (depending on the retailer). Considering it's a high street pick, I think that's excellent. |
| Lasting power | Feel free to hit the dance floor, leg it for the bus or pull an all-nighter – this foundation is sticking by you. Definitely, one to lean on if you know touch-ups are limited. |
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IMO, Morphe's Lightform Extended Hydration Foundation is an unsung hero. Frankly, I started using it as a temporary replacement to my L'Oreal True Match, but I'm afraid to say, Morphe has secured the permanent spot.
The formula seamlessly sinks in and leaves a slightly airbrushed but natural finish. It's dewy but not overtly glowy: it simply makes you look like you have *unreal* skin.
Key specifications
| Coverage | I see this as the perfect day time foundation. With medium coverage, it gives enough to completely cover redness, discolouration and the odd pimple while still looking natural and not too done up. |
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| Shade range | It comes in with 36 shades with a variety of undertones, including warm, cool and neutral. |
| Lasting power | This foundation knows how to put in a shift. While I've only ever tested it using a setting powder and spray on top, I can confirm that the foundation sticks with me from morning to night with little budging. I'd happily use it for a night out, put it that way. |
Dry skin? You need to get your hands on this foundation from Kosas The liquid consistency gives the same energy as my fave serum formulas, making it feel weightless and hydrating. It blends like an absolute dream and leaves a stunning luminosity that looks second-skin-esque.
Key specifications
| Coverage | The coverage is light, but it still effectively evens skin tone and areas of redness while giving a healthy radiance boost. |
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| Shade range | 36 on the Space NK website. What I do love is that each shade family (from light to deep) is available in a range of undertones including cool, neutral, warm and olive. |
| Lasting power | Its staying power does impress, as many lightweight formulas tend to slip n slide throughout the day. Being realistic you will get a few patches that fade over time, but rest assured the glow stays put. |
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Let Revolution teach you a lesson in 'just because it's cheap doesn't mean it's less effective.' This formula truly deserves a place in your everyday makeup bag. It promises zero cakey-ness and zero excess shine but, still, with ample glow.
Key specifications
| Coverage | It's billed as 'light to medium coverage', and I'd agree on all counts. While it may not be pigmented enough to replace my evening foundation, it still offers plenty of coverage to counter redness or knock back the appearance of a pimple. |
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| Shade range | 20 shades in a range of undertones. I'd suggest using the Look Fantastic foundation shade tool to find your match. |
| Lasting power | Serum foundations can have a bad rep in this department, but I was rather impressed on this occasion. It sinks into the skin without turning cakey and locks in place throughout the day. |
It’d be hard to come across a best foundations roundup without seeing Armani Luminous Silk in the list because it’s a formula that never fails to impress.
It blurs imperfections with ease without clinging onto dry patches of skin and masks any redness without making skin look one-dimensional.
Key specifications
| Coverage | Since the formula is so lightweight you wouldn’t expect it to have as good coverage as it does. It truly puts the work in to cover each and every blemish. |
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| Shade range | The shade range is good, coming in 40 shades, with varying undertones taken into consideration. |
| Lasting power | This one is going to last you all day and night long if you want it to. |
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This budget-friendly bottle gives a stunning, iridescent pearly finish to the skin, evening out tone with natural-looking coverage.
So if it’s a fresh – but not full coverage – finish you’re after, then look no further, because this is the foundation to fake Hailey Bieber-esque glazed doughnut skin.
Key specifications
| Coverage | Super sheer and glowy yet still non-comedogenic (aka, it won't clog your pores! Yay! |
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| Shade range | Eight base shades. C'mon L'Oréal. |
| Lasting power | Smile lines and touch-ups were needed when testing out this formula but hey – those are the prices we have to pay for such a hydrating base. |
This formula is for you if you want coverage and a semi-matte finish, but don't want to make your dry complexion even duller.
I don’t know how Nars did it but they nailed all of this with the Light Reflecting foundation. This works to minimise imperfections and blur pores whilst delivering a lit-from-within glow that doesn’t look greasy.
Key specifications
| Coverage | Coverage is medium and buildable so is a great one to consider if that’s your preference. |
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| Shade range | There are 36 shades. |
| Lasting power | This has epic lasting power, especially if you prep well and lock in with a teeny bit of translucent powder in areas you might need it. If I want my makeup to last all day long without any touch ups, this is what I reach for. |
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Charlotte Tilbury’s Beautiful Skin Foundation is dewier than most: it effortlessly glides across the skin and lends a glow that’s so sublime it seems illegal to obtain – unless you’re walking the red carpet or your name is Rihanna.
It evens your complexion and does a masterful job at concealing redness, yet still allows small blemishes and freckles to peep through. Plus, it claims to hydrate and plump the skin, which I’d say, ticks each box.
Key specifications
| Coverage | Medium: it’s a pleasing pick if you’re after a ‘my skin but better’ vibe or need a quick fix if you’re running late for work. |
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| Shade range | 30 – could be worse, could be better. It does have a great selection of undertones TBF. |
| Lasting power | Light, dewy formulas don’t tend to last as long as their thicker counterparts, but I find this stays put for the whole day with a few patches that vanish over time. |
Fenty Beauty paved the way for inclusivity when it launched the Pro Filt'R Foundation back in 2017, so we wouldn’t expect anything but greatness from the brand’s other foundations.
This one is exceptionally great as it’s hydrating with a non-greasy, luminous glow. Best of all? It feels oh-so comfortable on the skin.
Key specifications
| Coverage | I would describe it as lightweight to medium coverage that can easily be built up without disturbing what you’ve already got on. |
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| Shade range | There are 50 shades to choose from, which is 10 more than when the brand first launched. We love to see it. |
| Lasting power | It has the power to stay put all day. Don’t be afraid to add a bit of powder on top if you need to take down a bit of the glow. |
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Shiseido’s Revitalessence Glow Foundation is simply gorgeous – seriously, I could write a love letter to this bottle. Since it landed on my desk, I have stayed devoted to its silky, ridiculously dewy and beautifully lightweight formula.
Offering the perfect amount of coverage, it will diffuse redness and areas of pigmentation, while keeping skin looking like, well, skin.
Key specifications
| Coverage | … is perfect 👌 Sitting somewhere between light and medium coverage, it gives your complexion a healthy glow while keeping things au natural. |
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| Shade range | 30 shades with a variety of undertones. |
| Lasting power | Given that it’s rated a solid 12 out of 10 on the dewy scale, I was pleasantly surprised at how well the formula lasted – as many will slide around by EOP.The coverage does start to fade in certain areas, but coz we’re going for healthy-looking skin, I don’t mind that at all. |
I don’t know what kind of sorcery went into this formula, but all I can say is that it works. It’s light, airy and leaves the kind of coverage that looks like you’ve got 10/10 skin rather than an expensive foundation.
I’m also here for the skin-loving benefits too: it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to boost hydration.
Key specifications
| Coverage | Think of this as a tint that perks up your complexion, rather than a foundation. One pump is all you need to sweep a dewy sheen of coverage across your skin. |
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| Shade range | 22. There’s work to be done here, but as the coverage is so lightweight, it seems to work well with a wide spectrum of skin tones. |
| Lasting power | Like pretty much all CC creams, the coverage fades slightly, but you can trust that the glow-giving finish will last you from your morning meeting to when you’re cocktail-sipping with friends. |
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Welcome to your special occasions foundation. That's right, it's an oldie but a goldie – and worth every penny.
Estée Lauder's Double Wear is the kind of foundation that every party-goer needs in their kit. It has a lot to live up to, promising to be sweat, heat and humidity-resistant, and I can attest that it ticks each box.
That's right, a packed dance floor and a SULA (sweaty upper lip alert) has got nothing on Double Wear. Try it and you'll be converted, trust me.
Key specifications
| Coverage | There's a reason why this foundation has been passed through generations – the result is just dreamy. It leaves a radiant, satin finish, but never veers to the cakey side. It's full in coverage, but it also sheers out with a sponge if you're after a lighter look. |
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| Shade range | There are over 60 shades to choose from. Slay. |
| Lasting power | Trust me, this foundation sticks around longer than Instagram User 234 who keeps viewing your stories (in a good way, obvs). It powers through a night out without fading or smudging. |
If your skin's drier than my sense of humour, you need a bit of Stretch Fluid in your life.
Keeping to Glossier's skin-first mantra, this base is billed as 89% skincare so that it feels more like a serum rather than a foundation. It's infused with all kinds of goodies, including squalane and glycerin, to keep your skin hydrated for as long as you wear it.
As for the finish, it's the perfect balance between matte and dewy. No one will know you're wearing makeup at all.
Key specifications
| Coverage | This is a Sunday brunch or wholesome trip to the park kinda foundation. The coverage is delicate, providing just enough to diffuse redness and pigmentation. But for that pulsating spot on your chin, you're gonna have to grab your concealer. |
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| Shade range | We've got 32 shades here, available in a range of undertones. |
| Lasting power | Unfortunately, it's not going to withstand a sweaty situation or a 9-5 working day without fading just a little. But TBH, I don't mind that: it keeps things looking natural. |
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If you’re a full- coverage girlie (I see you), then this will deliver. This serum offers you a full-face look with a natural finish, plus it’s transfer-proof and long wearing.
The velvety, rich formula also feels super lightweight on your skin. Yes, the brand really did say ‘let’s do it all.’
Key specifications
| Coverage | Full-coverage natural finish foundation with transfer-proof extreme wear and a serum-light feel. |
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| Shade range | With 40 shades ranging from light to deep, you're bound to find a close match. |
| Lasting power | Because it dries down to a satin-finish, this formula is not only transfer-proof but long-lasting too – aka, it'll last for 12 hours of Friday night boogeying. |
If you're a fan of soft matte finishes but still want something to keep your hopelessly dry skin hydrated, this is the foundation for you.
MAC reformulated its iconic Studio Fix Fluid to feature 87% skincare ingredients, providing a lighter feel with more hydration. Officially, it's a foundation I'd never be without.
Key specifications
| Coverage | It's described as lightweight coverage, but I see it as more medium. And, you can layer without it turning powdery or dull. |
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| Shade range | There are an impressive 71 shades, varying in undertones. |
| Lasting power | It's a hard worker, lasting from my morning meetings to after-work drinks. Rarely there's a need for touch-ups. |
Clare Stephenson
Beauty Ecommerce Writer
Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact such as deep dives into and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.
Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.
When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.
Lia Mappoura
Beauty Writer
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she’s an expert in recognising the season’s next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You’ll usually find her putting TikTok’s recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it’s true). Find her also on LinkedIn.
